Garth Brooks tickets: 240,000 sold in 90 minutes sets a record

Garth Brooks' first major ticket onsale in many years certainly set a marker for the degree of pent-up demand among his fans, with nearly a quarter of a million tickets for a multi-date stand at Croke Park gone in 90 minutes.

Concert promoter Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions said the sellout set a new record in that nobody had sold out three shows in one day before. He added, "In 52 years of business this is the fastest selling concert Aiken Promotions have ever been involved in."

Brook had set two shows at the stadium, and when initial demand warranted, a third date was added. The shows mark two milestones: Brook's first shows in Ireland in 17 years and his return to formal touring in general.

In 2001, Brooks retired from recording and touring, saying he wanted to spend time with his school-aged children. With all the kids now finished with high school, Brooks has been making arrangements for a lengthy world tour.

No U.S. dates have yet been announced, though his shows in Ireland in July are expected to kick off the tour.